Laburnum Primary School
Laburnum Road, Sandy, SG19 1HQOpen in maps (opens in a new tab)
Laburnum Primary School is a primary school in Sandy for ages 3 to 11. It is one of the 134 schools in Central Bedfordshire. It ranks 21st of 47 primary schools in Central Bedfordshire. Its latest Ofsted outcome is a report card, from an inspection in November 2025.
Ofsted report card
Inspected 18 November 2025, report published 18 January 2026
Each area is graded from urgent improvement to exceptional, and safeguarding is either met or not met.
- Inclusion
- Expected standard
- Curriculum and teaching
- Expected standard
- Achievement
- Expected standard
- Attendance and behaviour
- Expected standard
- Personal development and wellbeing
- Expected standard
- Leadership and governance
- Expected standard
- Early years
- Expected standard
- Safeguarding
- Met
What Ofsted said
From the inspection on 18 November 2025
Pupils' experiences are shaped by the school's core expectations to challenge, achieve, show respect, give effort and be safe. Pupils get the challenge they need because leaders strengthened the curriculum and teachers typically teach it well. 'Do now' tasks help pupils to reconnect with what they have learned before, preparing them for what comes next. Regular opportunities for pupils to revise the key knowledge, along with clear explanations from teachers, help more pupils to achieve their best. This is reflected in pupils' national test outcomes. Classroom routines are well established. This is especially helpful for pupils with barriers to learning, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities. The familiar structure makes it easier for them to focus on new ideas and skills. Pupils enjoy the calm and focused atmosphere in lessons. They notice and appreciate the effort that pupils, staff and leaders have put into creating this atmosphere. Pupils faces light up when they earn a house point for showing kindness or answering a question correctly in class. Clear behaviour expectations help pupils to understand what it means to 'shine' in lessons. Pupils develop and show respect for others. There are well-thought-out opportunities for pupils to visit places of worship, to attend residential trips and to take part in community events. All of this helps to develop pupils' understanding about the world in which they live. Pupils are greeted warmly at the gate each day. This helps them to feel welcome and safe. Staff notice and understand them well. The lunchtime club on offer gives those pupils who need it a calm and safe space to relax. These small actions by leaders help everyone to feel cared for. Pupils also know that when they speak to a trusted adult, they will receive the support they and their families need to thrive.
What the school should improve
- Leaders should strengthen how teachers help pupils retain detailed knowledge in a few foundation subjects to support future learning.
- Leaders should expand opportunities for pupils to develop confidence and independence in social interactions, enabling them to converse well in lessons and in wider aspects of school life.
- Leaders should strengthen the transition between the early years provision and key stage 1 by ensuring that assessment guides the teaching in Year 1 and builds on previously taught knowledge.
Exam results
SATs results (key stage 2), 2024/25
27 pupils took the tests
Pupil numbers and mix
174 pupils on roll, with places for 240
Schools near Laburnum Primary School
| School | Distance | Ofsted | Results |
|---|---|---|---|
| Robert Peel Primary School | 0.3 miles | Ofsted judgements: Good to outstanding | 57% met the expected standard |
| St Swithun's Church of England VC Primary School | 0.5 miles | Ofsted: Good | 38% met the expected standard |
| Maple Tree Primary School | 0.8 miles | Ofsted: Good | 71% met the expected standard |
| John Donne Church of England Primary School | 2 miles | Ofsted: Requires improvement | 29% met the expected standard |
| Moggerhanger Primary School | 2 miles | Ofsted: Good | 62% met the expected standard |
School details
- School type
- Academy sponsor led
- Sector
- Academy
- Trust
- ADVANTAGE SCHOOLS
- Age range
- 3 to 11
- Gender
- Mixed
- Nursery classes
- Yes
- Headteacher
- Mr Ben Bardell
- Phone
- 01767680691
- Address
- Laburnum Road, Sandy, SG19 1HQ
- Local authority
- Central Bedfordshire
- URN
- 150629
School details from Get Information about Schools, 17 September 2026. Ofsted outcomes published to 31 August 2026. Exam results for 2024/25 from the Department for Education. Pupil mix from the school census, 2025/26.